Monday 23rd March, 2026

Neeps And Tatties (pictured) ran a very pleasing second at Ffos Las last Monday, whilst Dora Vita stayed on well in the final furlong to finish fourth at Wolverhampton the same day.  Elfride needed her come back run at Exeter on Tuesday and may well have been in season, whilst Tech That jumped well until making a noise and has now had a wind op.

The Last Drop appears to have plenty of stamina but will hopefully find an easier contest than the one she was fifth in at Huntingdon on Wednesday.  Whilst at Newbury on Friday – Agent Argylle will have a handicap mark now having been out-paced in the two and a half mile novices hurdle and Swift Jet found the ground and the pace of the race too quick in the three miles handicap hurdle.

Little Big Kev has been declared in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle at Southwell tomorrow with Sam Twiston-Davies onboard.  He has had a wind op since his last run and will be suited by the better going and is due to go chasing soon.

Manton Road is declared in the seven furlong handicap at Lingfield on Wednesday and hopefully the pace of the race will suit him more on this track rather than at Kempton last time.  Rab Havlin rides.

We have entered Hidden Target and Smile Back at Chepstow on Thursday where the ground does not look like it will be soft enough for Smile Back but hopefully will be suitable for Hidden Target.  Dora Vita is entered at Southwell on the same day as there are not many three-year-old only seven-furlong handicaps around at present and we will make a decision in the morning.

It is a busy time for the yard but hopefully plenty to look forward to.

Very sad to hear of Miriam Francome’s death at the age of 72.  To all who knew her, she was quite simply adorable and I doubt if there has been a more popular figure in the Lambourn valley.  Having known her for over four decades, she was beautiful inside and out and loved humans and animals equally.  Miriam was a rare breed and she will always be remembered fondly.